PRHTA convention fixing on sector’s economic benefits
PRHTA President Clarisa Jiménez
Under the theme “Window of Opportunities,” the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association will celebrate its annual convention Sept. 8-10 at the Condado Plaza Hilton hotel, during which it will focus on the industry’s contributions to the island’s economic development.
The hospitality industry is one of the few sectors showing positive signs of economic growth on the island, and for that reason, the PRHTA wants to continue being a support system for professional development to the industry’s more than 70,000 employees, said trade group President Clarisa Jiménez.
“With the mission to continue promoting education, the PRHTA has designed a scholastic program consisting of various workshops and seminars to define the skills and knowledge of the convention attendees in their different work areas,” Jiménez said.
“Also, the trade show will offer important fraternization events that will serve as a vehicle to provide information of vital importance related to the current situation of the island’s tourism industry,” she added.
The list of conferences and experts scheduled to speak this year includes: Peter C. Yesawich, who will discuss the results of the “Tourist Tendencies and Lifestyle,” study by The MMGY Global’s 2014 Portrait of American Travelers; Susanne Gaddis, known as “The Communications Doctor,” who will speak about customer service best practices; Meet Puerto Rico executives, who will discuss ways to build your business through social media-; and a compliance forum by several federal agencies.
The Chairman of the Board luncheon, set for Sept. 8, will feature the latest tendencies as well as efforts made by the PRHTA, as the entity representing the island’s tourism industry that provides solutions to problems. PRHTA Executive Ismael Vega will be giving his final speech as president-elect and a newly elected president will be announced.
Meanwhile, Ingrid Rivera, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Co., will be the industry guest speaker at the Sept. 9 luncheon and the awards luncheon honoring the industry’s top employees is scheduled for Sept. 10, when the PRTHA will recognize the work of the industry’s best employee, supervisor and manager in the casino, hotel, restaurant and allied member categories. Top honors will also be given to the “Hotelier of the Year,” “Casino Executive of the Year,” “Allied Member of the Year” and “Restaurateur of the Year.”
